Women In Engineering (WIE)

Women in Engineering (WIE)

IEEE Toronto Women in Engineering is our local affinity group of the IEEE Women in Engineering Committee (WIEC) which is appointed by, and reports directly to, the IEEE Board of Directors. The scope of interest is:

Gather and disseminate information regarding the status of women and initiatives for, by and on behalf of women in engineering and science.

Enable mentoring and education programs within IEEE and make available information regarding gender related educational issues which may improve the entry into, and the retention of women in engineering programs.

Increase the participation of women within IEEE.

Address ways to improve the climate for women in IEEE and the workplace.

IEEE WIE-Toronto affinity group held a seminar entitled “Winning in Life” on Friday October 24, 2008 at the University of Toronto. The 20 members in attendance started out by partaking of refreshments while engaging in a bit of networking and socializing.

Following this, Dr. Ferial El-Hawary, Chair and Director of IEEE Canada, addressed the gathering. To start, she brought us up to date on the achievements of the IEEE/Women in Engineering Organization, which we found inspiring. This was followed by her talk on “Winning in Life”. Among the things she shared with us were some of the elements that played an important role in her career success. Afterwards, the participants worked in small groups to discuss their personal ‘secret of career success’. From the debriefing afterwards the following discussion points were identified:

The major elements of a successful leader.

The importance of goal setting at all stages of life.

The saving in time and energy resulting from having a written plan of our goals.

Develop a better understanding of self, identify interests, and cultivate the necessary connections.

Visda Vokhshoori, former Chair of the IEEE Toronto Section Women in Engineering Affinity Group and Vice-chair of the Computer Chapter, is recognized at the 2006 AGM for her excellent service to the IEEE Toronto Section. See her bio here.

Congratulations to Visda for her leadership in organizing many interesting WIE and Computer Chapter seminars and social events.

The formation of the Toronto Section WIE affinity group (chapter) was approved on March 24, 2004. Officers were elected on April 2, 2004. For more information on WIE affinity groups, please view the linked IEEE web page. Photo at left above shows (from left) Visda – Vice Chair, Joan – Chair and Anna – Secretary. Photo at right above taken at the June 8 Dinner Meeting. Click photos to view larger image. Subsequently, Visda became the Chair and Anna the Vice Chair.

Toronto WIE Affinity Group recognized by the IEEE WIE Committee for achievement. The Certificate displayed in the centre was awarded to this group as the runner-up for the 2004 Women in Engineering Affinity Group of the Year – see centre image (click to enlarge).